Top Prospects

Below is a list of the top 100 prospects in MLB, as compiled by a non-scout. With spring training starting up, what better time to begin prospecting for your fantasy teams than right now. Click on the links below to view each player’s Baseball Reference page. Brief writeups for top 25 only. Enjoy, comment, and share…share a lot!

He has filled out and will fill up the stat sheets in 2017Courtesy: Boston Herald

1. Andrew Benintendi, OF, BOS: Added muscle to an already incredibly talented skill-set could lead to immediate stardom in 2017.

8. Gleyber Torres, SS, NYY: The power is coming. At 19 in A+, he had 11 HR and 29 doubles. It’s a race to SS between Torres and Mateo in NY.

9. Brendan Rodgers, SS, COL: There is a lot more swing and miss in his game than Troy Tulowitzki’s, but he’ll be compared to him his entire career – and for good reason.

10. Tyler Glasnow, RHP, PIT: The control can still be an issue, but Glasnow has the right pitching coach to make him an elite arm.

Robles is still in the Nats’ organization for a reasonCourtesy: MiLB.com

11. Victor Robles, OF, WAS: A gifted athlete with a crazy contact rate (especially for a 19-year-old in A+), he’ll utilize the entire field and be a threat on the bases.

12. Cody Bellinger, 1B/OF, LAD: He has nowhere to play until Adrian Gonzalez leaves after the 2018 season, but he’s nearly ready. Maybe they’ll make room for him in the OF.

13. Austin Meadows, OF, PIT: All of the McCutcheon rumors will lead to a lot of focus on Meadows. He won’t be a star but can do a lot of things well.

14. Bradley Zimmer, OF, CLE: The strikeouts are a huge concern but Zimmer is a unique talent and brings a skill-set that will improve an already impressive roster in Cleveland.

The Reds need a quick moving power bat. He’s the guyCourtesy: redsminorleagues.com

15. Nick Senzel, 3B, CIN: Think of Ryan Zimmerman when you think of how quickly a player can reach the majors here. He could also produce at the same level…hopefully without the injuries.

16. Anderson Espinoza, RHP, SD: There are still a lot of things that can go wrong (he doesn’t turn 19 until March), but there are so many things that are already intriguing here.

17. Lewis Brinson, OF, MIL: Making contact consistently is a concern, but, when he does, Brinson is capable of superstardom in Milwaukee.

18. Eloy Jimenez, OF, CHC: 40 doubles at 19 in the midwest league. He’s going to turn those into HR in 2017 and he’ll be a top 5 prospect in 2018.

19. Manuel Margot, OF, SD: His numbers won’t pop and he may never lead the league in any statistic, but Margot is a smooth baseball player. He can do it all.

20. Josh Bell, 1B/OF, PIT: He never showed the power potential he was supposed to have in the minors, but he’s still a work in progress – one with an approach beyond his years.

Frazier will be an asset for the Yankees, even if it hurt to give up MillerCourtesy: Stack.com

21. Clint Frazier, OF, NYY: The hair may be what many know him for right now. The ability will make others wish that they had curly red hair.

22. Kyle Tucker, OF, HOU: As this guy grows into his 6’4″ frame, he’s going to be a monster. He had 41 XBH and 32 SB while reading A+ at 19 in 2016.

23. Michael Kopech, RHP, CHW: He throws really hard and he’s on a team that is going to give him an opportunity sooner than later. If for no other reason than these, he’s an intriguing prospect. He’s also very good.

24. Willy Adames, SS, TB: He’ll make the David Price trade look silly at some point when he debuts in 2017. He is extremely talented and will quickly become one of the Rays’ top players.

25. Francis Martes, RHP, HOU: Strikeouts jumped a bit (as did the walks) in AA last year, a wonderful sign for a 20-year-old. He throws extremely hard and is capable of becoming a frontline starter.

Below you’ll find the top 100 prospects in baseball. The top 25 have a short write-up and their career minor league statistics. I am not a major league scout, I am just a baseball fan/nerd who follows all levels. If someone is missing, feel free to make your opinions known in the comments section, but be prepared to get mocked for being a troll!

1) Jurickson Profar, Texas Rangers, SS

Profar is the perfect blend of raw power, speed, and on-base skills, and it is all packed into a 19-year-old excelling in the upper levels of the minors. There are rumors that he could be called up to help the Rangers down the stretch, but it would be a shame to have him come off of the bench considering he is probably one of their top five players when he arrives in Arlington. It will be interesting to see where the Rangers work him in with Andrus and Kinsler around.

It will be interesting what Bundy can do when the O’s take their chains off and let him loose. He just recently reached the sixth inning in a start for the first time. He is well on his way to becoming an ace, and he could reach the Majors by the middle of next year.

For whatever reason, Myers was “blocked” in Kansas City by Jeff Francoeur. The Royals moved the slugging outfielder in the James Shields trade, immediately becoming one of the Rays cornerstone players. He should be the starting right fielder in 2013, with Desmond Jennings in center and Matt Joyce sliding over to right. His right-handed bat fits nicely in the middle of the order, as he and Evan Longoria will sandwich Ben Zobrist.

He has been called the next Vladimir Guerrero…as long as his knees don’t deteriorate late in his career, that would make Taveras a near Hall of Fame player. Taveras is a hitter, pure and simple. He may only get better as he matures, which makes him a huge asset for the Cardinals moving forward. He could force management’s hands and get a shot at an everyday job in the spring of 2013.

I have him higher than most, but give me a 19-year-old who can post these numbers any day of the week. Bogaerts is still playing shortstop, but he will end up at third base or be forced elsewhere due to the presense of Will Middlebrooks. Powerful, young, projectable frame. Bogaerts will be a total offensive monster.

For all of his poor warm-up practices, the fact remains that Bauer has an elite arm. He has trouble with command, but he posts ace-level strikeout potential. Moving to a pitcher’s environment in Cleveland from Arizona should make dynasty fantasy geeks drool at his potential. The Indians stole him by getting him for Didi Gregorius, Lars Anderson, and Tony Sipp. He’ll be their No. 1 starter sooner than one may think.

Cole still has more stuff than impressive results at this poing in his career, but the stuff could be so dominant, that you have to hold out hope that he figures things out. For a guy who can throw a 90 mph change and curve while topping out in triple-digits with his fastball, you would expect more dominance in his strikeout totals. If he figures it out, he could be #2 behind Profar on this list.

The Mariners pushed Walker by having him skip the dreaded California League, allowing him to thrive without being destroyed by the thin air and small parks of High-A. Having just turned 20, Walker has posted some solid numbers. He has top of the rotation stuff and will be a nice addition to the Mariners rotation in the coming years. He isn’t Felix Hernandez and won’t come close to him, but how many pitchers can?

Hultzen may just be what he is right now and nothing more, but that is still good. He will throw strikes and toss a lot of innings while having some great success. The college arm will be ready by next season and he could get a look early in the spring, but he will settle in nicely among a group of solid young arms that the M’s are developing. With the Jason Vargas trade, his arrival may have just been pushed forward a bit.

Taillon has been hyped with very little as far as results. He has looked pretty good for a 20-year-old in High-A, but if he is an ace like others say he is, you have to expect more. He is coming along nicely, but he could be more of a mid-rotation arm than an ace. He still has time, though.

Hamilton was moved off of shortstop due to Zack Cozart’s success in his rookie season in 2012, and with Drew Stubbs gone and a one-year rental of Shin-Soo Choo, Hamilton should be ready for 2014. His speed is game-changing and he increased his on-base skills tremendously in 2012. He will be entertaining to watch, even if he gets on at a .320-clip in the majors. He looks like he will be better than that, though.

Miller has fallen out of favor with the Cardinals organization due to conditioning and other issues which continue to go unannounced. He has struggled in 2012 in the Pacific Coast League, which is notoriously a hitter’s league. He still has a bright future, but he could be someone who gets dealt if he continues to upset the Cards, who practically gave away Colby Rasmus due to his “issues.”

There were rumors that Teheran’s breaking ball wasn’t up to par. There are also rumors that his attitude was shaky due to being sent to the minors. Whatever went on with him in 2012, it is cause for concern. His numbers in Triple-A were pretty awful, and his brief opportunities in Atlanta haven’t gone well, either. Teheran is still a top-flight prospect, but due to this bump in the road, he may not have what it takes to be an ace. He still has some work to do.

Martinez is compared to Pedro Martinez due to his electric stuff and his size. Between the comparisons of Martinez and Oscar Taveras, the Cards have a couple of potential Hall of Famers, huh? Martinez’s strikeouts were down a bit in 2012, but he was 20 and pitching in Double-A, putting up some impressive numbers. He could return to Double-A in 2013 to start the season, but he’ll be someone to watch closely in coming years, as he has ace potential.

Skaggs overtook Trevor Bauer as the club’s future ace, which made dumping Bauer due to his odd techniques a bit easier. He has command of his pitches and has posted incredible numbers the last two seasons. The Diamondbacks have solid depth at starting pitcher, but Skaggs should get a look in 2013.

D’Arnaud missed time due to a torn PCL that he suffered in late June. His strikeout rate was pretty alarming, but the power numbers and on-base totals were pretty impressive, still. D’Arnaud could be an offensive force for the Mets, who snagged the catcher from Toronto trade. J.P. Arencibia‘s presence ahead of him, and, for some reason, the re-signing of Jeff Mathis for two-years, $3 million (throwing away money?), made d’Arnaud expendable in Toronto, and David Wright better be praying that d’Arnaud establishes himself quickly because the Mets look awful outside of Wright and Ike Davis.

28 home runs at the age of 19 with a drastic improvement in his walk rate is all that you need to know about Sano. He does strike out a lot, but that is typical of power hitters, especially those that are this young. Minnesota fans should be excited about Sano, although he is probably two to three years away.

Olt arrived in the Majors to showcase his power at the corners in 2012, though he didn’t get much of an opportunity. He was rumored in potential deals for the Rangers, but they may be better off keeping him and putting him at first base. He is ready to mash, like the Rangers needed more offense…

Yelich is a pure hitter, much like Oscar Taveras. While Yelich has posted solid speed numbers, he appears to be an intelligent runner than a true burner. An excellent hitter with surprising power for a stick figure, Yelich will move quickly to fill a suddenly disturbing Miami Marlins 25-man roster.

Baez could be a force at short for the Cubs. Just drafted in 2011 out of high school, the Cubs have already moved the youngster to High-A ball, having started the 2012 season late due to concerns about the weather. Regardless, he will continue moving quickly, especially if he keeps hitting like he has.

If you missed the Futures Game, you didn’t see how big Fernandez is already. The guy has a monstrous frame that makes him look like he could step right into a Major League rotation. His results are impressive to this point and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Marlins rush him next year.

Wheeler was acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Carlos Beltran in 2011. He was a talented arm at the time and has established himself as the Mets top prospect since being acquired. Wheeler could still refine his command before he is a finished product, but he has the ceiling to be a top of the rotation starter.

The Tigers have moved Castellanos to the outfield due to Miguel Cabrera occupying third base. Castellanos is an interesting talent. He strikes out a lot and doesn’t really walk much, while his power numbers are lagging. However, he is just 20 and his 32 doubles show that there is power in there somewhere. If Castellanos beefs up a little, that will help the power numbers, and then he can help the Tigers

Brown’s 2011 numbers were likely the product of the California League, but he still showed solid speed and glimpses of power in Double-A in 2012. His 32 doubles and 33 steals show his potential. Since the Giants have thrived with a lack of pow er production since Barry Bonds left San Francisco, Brown could contribute as a speedster at the top of the order by 2014.

For a team with such a terrible offense, Indians fans sure do love this slick fielding slap-hitter. Lindor is young and has gap power, but he isn’t as valuable to the Tribe as current shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera because he can’t produce runs like Cabrera can. However, Cabrera is only signed through 2014 and Lindor should be ready by about the same time that Cabrera is leaving town. Lindor is a switch-hitter and has very good on-base skills. If he gets bigger, Lindor could become a more valuable offensive weapon. As it stands, he is a solid leadoff or No. 2-hitter.

It is early and top prospects are adjusting, like Bryce Harper and his current .222/.276/.333 slash in Triple-A, while guys you’ve possibly never heard of are posting some eye-popping numbers. Here is a look at some of those guys performing well early on.

Miller is a lefty swinging college bat out of Clemson. He is playing the whole season at the age of 22, and he should be advanced and hitting well, but the California League may result in Miller becoming a legend. Miller is now hitting .398 in 88 professional at bats, so he is someone to monitor this year, even if he has Nick Franklin ahead of him in the Mariners system at short.

Henson is a long way off, but he has a solid eye and solid speed, while seemingly spraying the ball all over the field. He is a switch hitter and he looks like he could be a potential leadoff hitter for the Bucs down the road. Neil Walker is under team control until 2017, but if he becomes too expensive through arbitration, Pittsburgh could toss the job Henson’s way in 2015.

Jose Fernandez, RHP, Marlins, Low-A

1-0, 1.64 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 11 IP, 5 H, 18/4 K/BB

Fernandez is a known name as the Marlins first round pick from 2011. The youngster from Cuba is a high upside arm that turns 20 in July. He could be a fast mover in the Marlins system, especially if he keeps pitching like he has in his first two starts.

Cody Buckel, RHP, Rangers, High-A

0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 10 IP, 4 H, 16/3 K/BB

Buckel has only thrown 111 2/3 innings but he now has a 145/31 K/BB. He is another chip in an absolutely loaded Rangers system. He’ll be 20 in June, but he seems to be picking up where he left off from last season when he posted a 2.61 ERA and 120/27 K/BB 23 games (17 starts).

Andrew Chafin, RHP, Diamondbacks, High-A

2-0, 0.82 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, 11 IP, 5 H, 18/2 K/BB

The California League eats pitchers for breakfast, so when a guy dominates there, like Tyler Skaggs did last year, you need to take notice. Chafin is a college arm, so he’ll be 22 this year, and he had Tommy John surgery in 2010 and missed the entire season. The Kent State product was the 43rd pick in the 2011 draft and he does seem to have the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter, with a plus fastball and slider. If he develops his change, he could become much more.

A.J. Griffin, RHP, Athletics, Double-A

0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.36 WHIP, 11 IP, 2 H, 16/2 K/BB

Griffin is 24, a 2010 13th round pick out of San Diego by the A’s. In 2011, Griffin pitched at four levels, finishing with an 11-7 record, 3.47 ERA, 160 2/3 innings pitched, and a 156/32 K/BB. Not overly impressive until you look at his splits. He was impressive early on, posting a 9-3 record, 2.71 ERA, 122 2/3 innings pitched, and 128/19 K/BB between 20 Low-A and High-A starts. He didn’t fare as well at the higher levels (2-4, 5.92 ERA), which is why he’s back in Double-A this year. He has solid breaking stuff and very good control, so he could be a back-end starter, possibly a Joe Blanton-like innings eater.

Below is a list of the top 50 prospects in baseball, in my opinion. The ranking, player name, position, team, date of birth and highest level in 2011 are listed on the top line, followed by their Minor League stats for 2011 below. The top 20 prospects have a little bit more information there, again it is my opinion of the player. I am not a scout, I am a school teacher and father. I read a lot of baseball and research on my own. Leave comments about anyone you feel that I left out or under sold, I’d love to mock you for being wrong!

Top Prospects 2012

1. Bryce Harper, OF, Washington: 10/16/92, Double-A

.297/.392/.501, 24 2B, 17 HR, 87/59 K/BB, 26 SB

Harper is as elite as it gets. He could start the year in the Washington outfield. His power is off the charts and he is about as can’t-miss as it gets.

2. Matt Moore, LHP, Tampa Bay: 6/18/1989, Majors

12-3, 1.92 ERA, 155 IP, 210/46 K/BB, .184 BAA

Moore was a part of the Rays Postseason roster and he’ll be a part of their Opening Day roster in 2012. He’s better than David Price ever was, so consider him a future ace.

3. Shelby Miller, RHP, St. Louis: 10/10/90, Double-A

11-6, 2.77 ERA, 139 2/3 IP, 170/53 K/BB, .219 BAA

Miller is a studly prospect in a solid organization. He can throw strikes and he is an ace in the making. He could be ready by mid-2012, but the Cards won’t need him unless Wainwright’s elbow isn’t all the way back, Lohse comes back to reality, or Westbrook falters.

4. Julio Teheran, RHP, Atlanta: 1/27/91, Majors

15-3, 2.55 ERA, 144 2/3 IP, 122/48 K/BB, .232 BAA

His Triple-A stats don’t blow you away, but Teheran was just 20 when he was facing the vets and advanced hitters there. He may not have struck out 10 per 9 IP, but he did well for his age. His fastball and change are great pitches, but he still could refine his breaking ball. If Teheran improves his curve, he could be better than any pitcher on this list.

5. Jesus Montero, C/DH, Seattle:11/28/89, Majors

.288/.348/.467, 19 2B, 18 HR, 98/36 K/BB

Montero was just traded to Seattle, the hitter’s wasteland of the American League. While his fantasy production could take a hit there, he is still a player with elite upside. Montero is a DH that has caught before. He could get enough starts there to keep catching eligibility in fantasy leagues, but he could be the 2nd Mariners DH to make the Hall of Fame…Edgar Martinez is my plug here.

6. Jurickson Profar, SS, Texas: 2/20/93, Low-A

.286/.390/.493, 37 2B, 8 3B, 12 HR, 63/65 K/BB, 23 SB

Profar could be the 2B of the future in Texas if Elvis Andrus sticks around. The fact that he was 18 and showing the patience and hitting skills in full-season ball makes scouts and fans drool. His body doesn’t ooze the ability to be a power hitter in the future, but you have to wonder if some of those 37 2B will make it out of Arlington. Alfonso Soriano wasn’t a beefy power hitter, either.

7. Manny Machado, SS, Baltimore: 7/6/1992, High-A

.257/.335/.421, 20 2B, 5 3B, 11 HR, 73/45 K/BB, 11 SB

The comparisons to ARod coming out of High School weren’t just due to his size. This is a future All-Star SS with power and speed. Machado IS the future of the Baltimore organization. If he doesn’t become the star that he looks like he could, the current 14-season long losing streak will become 20.

8. Devin Mesoraco, C, Cincinnati: 6/19/88, Majors

.289/.371/.484, 36 2B, 15 HR, 83/52 K/BB

Mesoraco looked like a flop of a first-round pick in 2009. Then…2010 happened and 2011 legitimized his status as a future All-Star catcher. By dealing Yasmani Grandal to San Diego and letting Ramon Hernandez leave via Free Agency, Cincinnati is committing to Mesoraco as their catcher right now. He’ll split time with Ryan Hanigan, but could become a 20-25 HR hitter as soon as this season.

9. Trevor Bauer, RHP, Arizona: 1/17/91, Double-A

1-2, 5.96 ERA, 25 2/3 IP, 43/12 K/BB, .257 BAA

Bauer didn’t have an impressive ERA, but 43 punch outs in 25 2/3 IP is just sexy. Bauer looked better than his UCLA teammate, Gerrit Cole, in his final season there, enough to make me think that he is going to be better long-term. He’s small, like Tim Lincecum (but not that small), but he possesses top of the rotation stuff.

10. Jacob Turner, RHP, Detroit: 5/21/1991, Majors

4-5, 3.44 ERA, 131 IP, 110/35 K/BB, .238 BAA

Turner could be an ace or he could be the next Rick Porcello, a young starter with great stuff who was rushed to the Majors, losing his breaking ball while looking to throw strikes in the Minors. Turner’s name keeps coming up in trade rumors, specifically for Matt Garza, but the Tigers may have a better arm here long-term. They just need to be a little careful with him.

11. Anthony Rendon, 3B, Washington: 6/6/90, NONE

Rendon was the top college bat in the 2011 MLB Draft. He could be an All-Star at 3B, but he’ll move to 2B if Ryan Zimmerman is going to stick around in Washington. At 2B, if he posts numbers like he is projected to, he could become a Hall of Fame talent. He has enough athletic ability to hold down the position, even after the ankle injury.

12. Martin Perez, LHP, Texas: 4/4/91, Triple-A

8-6, 4.33 ERA, 137 1/3 IP, 120/56 K/BB, .284 BAA

Perez, like Teheran, was 20 last season while pitching in Triple-A. He may have posted underwhelming statistics, but he still has a great repertoire, one that makes him an elite prospect.

13. Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City: 12/10/90, Double-A

.254/.353/.393, 23 2B, 8 HR, 87/52 K/BB, 9 SB

Myers moved to RF from catcher last season so that he could move quicker through the system. He didn’t post the numbers that he did in 2010, but he was slowed by various injuries in 2011 and was just 20 in Double-A. He could repeat in Double-A in 2012 due to his struggles, but he won’t be there long when he returns to 2010 form. That’s right…when. He is a future star on the same side of the field as the Royals foundation, Eric Hosmer.

14. Carlos Martinez, RHP, St. Louis: 9/21/91, High-A

6-5, 3.93 ERA, 84 2/3 IP, 98/44 K/BB, .238 BAA

Martinez possesses upside that could make him better than future teammate Shelby Miller. He needs to get more innings under his belt in 2012 to see what the Cardinals have. If he does what he’s done the last couple of seasons, he’ll be a top five prospect in 2013.

15. Jameson Taillon, RHP, Pittsburgh: 11/18/91, Low-A

2-3, 3.98 ERA, 92 2/3 IP, 97/22 K/BB, .249 BAA

Taillon was babied by the Pirates in 2011, as the Bucs didn’t allow Taillon to go more than 5 innings in any start. That is understandable: see Bobby Bradley and John Van Benschoten. Taillon and Cole could be a solid 1-2 for Pittsburgh for years to come, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Taillon is the #1.

Hultzen has a mid-90’s fastball and is about as polished of a college arm that you will ever see. He has huge fantasy upside due to pitching in Safeco, but he would have that wherever he would have landed. He could start 2012 in Double-A, but if he doesn’t, he’ll get there quickly.

17. Taijuan Walker, RHP, Seattle: 8/13/92, Low-A

6-5, 2.89 ERA, 96 2/3 IP, 113/39 K/BB, .202 BAA

Walker is a future ace. He is a big kid who could fill out and become even more intriguing than he already is, which is scary. It’ll be interesting to see what Seattle does with him, as Inland Empire of the California League could lead to a short stay and a jump to Double-A, saving Walker from confidence issues.

Cole was the #1 pick in the 2011 MLB Draft and he has “upside” out the wazoo. Like I mentioned earlier, his college teammate, Trevor Bauer, seemed to out-pitch him in 2011, but Cole has the 100+ mph fastball that makes people envious. He looked very good in the AFL, so I, like others, am looking forward to where Pittsburgh starts him and how he does.

19. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado: 4/16/91, High-A

.298/.349/.487, 32 2B, 20 HR, 122 RBI, 53/47 K/BB

I love this guy, maybe a bit too much. Maybe it’s the fact that there aren’t many good third basemen in baseball right now, maybe I like when 20 year-olds post solid power numbers. Sure, it was in the California League, but Arenado shows the ability to make contact, just 53 strikeouts in 517 at bats, and it isn’t like the Rockies ballpark isn’t a hitter’s paradise, either. Huge upside here.

20. Travis d’Arnaud, C, Toronto: 2/10/89, Double-A

.311/.371/.542, 33 2B, 21 HR, 100/33 K/BB

Just like Mesoraco did in 2010, d’Arnaud finally had his breakout in 2011 in Double-A, showing incredible power while developing a major issue in Toronto. With J.P. Arencibia already in Toronto, what will the Jays do with these two power hitting monsters behind the plate? I am wondering if the club might look to get d’Arnaud some looks at first or left field in Triple-A in 2012. They may not want to mess with what they have, but it wouldn’t hurt their future lineup if they can keep d’Arnaud’s bat in it.